Books

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Posted Date :Wed, 02/25/2009 - 05:41

All prices mentioned below have been taken from websites in October 2008, to give the viewer an indicative idea. Publishers / retailers may be contacted for the correct price of the books and additional charges, if any.
Viewers are requested to send in names and a brief review of books that they would like to recommend to others. Contributors whose entries are featured in this page will receive a token gift from the India Water Portal.

Classification:

Reference Books
Books for children
Primary school
Secondary school
High School

A very useful reference book for your school library, Springs of Life is a rare combination of an academic book with a coffee table presentation. The book is India-centric looks at the entire spectrum of water in the country. There are over 600 coloured photographs and the narrative is sure to hold the interest of every reader. Interspersed with anecdotes and specific cases, the book holds a wealth of knowledge that can spark interesting discussions in a classroom.

This book is among the biggest efforts in recent decades to comprehensively document India's millennia-old wisdom in water management. It discusses in detail the traditional rainwater harvesting and community based water management systems in different regions across the country and is a must-read for history, geography and environmental science teachers. It is also a useful reference book for high school student projects.

The Water Harvesting Manual presents the basics required for undertaking water harvesting in urban areas. It is presented in a simple form and provides a practical guide to water harvesting systems along with illustrations and working drawings. The schemes of a few water harvesting systems designed by CSE in Delhi have been shown with working drawings. It is recommended for schools interested in implementing rainwater harvesting, so that they can work with the implementing agency to design an optimal system.

The book gives a great deal of information on oceans with special emphasis on India's rich coastline. Teachers will find information on ocean floors, coral reefs, mangroves, wealth from oceans, marine pollution and our maritime heritage apart from other topics. It includes 4 pullout maps with information on sea shells, threats to oceans, Indian coastal heritage and marine life. The book also lists some educational institutions that offer courses in the maritime sector and major oceanographic establishments in India.

Reference Books for High school students and teachers

FISHESMary Chandy 183 pp Rs 60.00
Published by National Book Trust
ISBN 81-237-1045-3
A fascinating book about fishes—their structure, adaptations, peculiar habits and ways—and the various kinds of fish that inhabit the oceans, seas, rivers, streams, ponds and fisheries.

RIVERS OF INDIARadhakant Bharati 195 pp Rs 60.00
Published by National Book Trust
ISBN 81-237-4138-3
A comprehensive introduction to the life line of the country—the rivers, their cultural, social, economic, and commercial significance. Translation from Hindi has been done by Sandeep Sinha.

THE MONSOONSP K Das 254 pp Rs 75.00
Published by National Book Trust
ISBN 81-237-1123-9
The book is of interest to all those who would like to know more about the monsoon, which is so much a part of our national life and heritage.

THE BRAHAMPUTRAArup Kumar Dutta 237 pp Rs 65.00 (PB), Rs 130.00 (HB)
Published by National Book Trust
ISBN 81-237-3544-8 (PB)
ISBN 81-237-3545-6 (HB)
In this riveting account of one of the greatest river systems in the world, we accompany the Tsangpo-Brahamputra as it emerges from the icy heights of Tibet. The book seeks to sketch a profile of this fascinating river and aquaint the reader with the society which evolved on its banks.

OCEAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYA K Malhotra 204 pp Rs 50.00
Published by National Book Trust
ISBN 81-237-0140-3
An introduction to the basic principles, techniques and methods involved in offshore oil and gas production and explanation of how offshore platforms and terminals, harbours and ports are designed and operated,
apart from the problems encountered in laying submarine pipelines and controlling oil pollution.

WAYS OF THE WEATHERP A Menon 109 pp Rs 50.00
Published by National Book Trust
ISBN 978-81-237-4453-6
This revised edition brings forth the concepts and practices adopted in observing and forecasting weather besides highlighting the impact of weather and climate on life and economy with particular reference to the Indian context.

The Magic School Bus series
This series of books is a hit with children and each book is very informative. In a classroom setting, the children go on exciting adventures with their teacher Ms. Frizzle (better known as the Friz), who has a magic school bus. A must-have for every library.

Magic School Bus series books for Primary School children

The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks: At the WaterworksBy Joanna Cole, Bruce Degen
40 pages
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks, 1986
ISBN 0590403605, 9780590403603
Ms. Frizzle has assigned her class a month-long investigation of how their city gets its water supply, to be followed by a field trip to the water works. With ``The Friz'' as driver, the children encounter surprise after surprise, as they are magically clad in scuba gear while in a tunnel, then slowly ascend to a cloud, where each child disembarks; falls as a drop of water into a mountain stream; flows into a reservoir; and bounces through the purification system, pipes, and water mains under the city streets. The trip ends with all arriving, drop by drop, in the girls' bathroom in their school as a seventh grader turns on the water faucet.

The Magic School Bus On the Ocean Floorby Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen
48 pages; Ages 6–9
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks,
ISBN 0-590-41430-5 / ISBN 0-590-41427-5
A class trip to the ocean! Finally, the kids in Ms. Frizzle's class are going on an ordinary field trip, just like everyone else. But when the Friz drives onto the beach, across the sand, and straight into the ocean water without stopping, the kids know that they have once again embarked on one of Ms. Frizzle's crazy class trips. The book introduces children to the newest discoveries about the ocean, including a look at animal and plant life on the deep ocean floor, at a hot-water vent, and on a coral reef. The water may be deep but rest assured, this adventure won't be over the heads of Magic School Bus fans!

The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About the Water Cycleby Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks,
ISBN 0-590-50833-4
Ms. Frizzle’s class is learning all about water. And when Wanda suggests they take a trip to Waterland, Ms. Frizzle gets that funny look in her eyes. But instead of taking her class to the water theme park, she takes them on a seriously wet and wild ride — through the water cycle! Join the class as they evaporate, condense, rain, and make their way back to the ocean...only to evaporate all over again!

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS UPS AND DOWNS: A Book About Floating and Sinkingby Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks,
ISBN 0-590-92158-4
Is there a monster living in Walkerville Lake? That’s what Ms. Frizzle’s class is trying to find out. The kids try to dive down under the water, but the bus won’t go! The class has to figure out how to turn their floater into a sinker so they can solve the mystery of the underwater monster. Take a dive with the Magic School Bus, and learn why things float and sink!

The Magic School Bus Takes A Dive: A Book About Coral Reefsby Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks,
ISBN 0-590-18723-6
Wanda has no interest in helping her partner, D.A., with the class coral reef project, but she seems very excited about Ms. Frizzle’s map of pirate treasure. It shows a treasure chest on the ocean floor near a coral reef. When Wanda wants to know if the treasure is real, the kids and Ms. Frizzle take a dive in the Magic School Bus - deep into the ocean. The class is determined to find the treasure. And as they search, Ms. Frizzle has a lot to show them about the amazing creatures of the coral reef.

The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm: A Book About Weatherby Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks,
ISBN 0-439-10275-8
One hot muggy day, a new superhero appears in Ms. Frizzle’s classroom — it’s Weatherman! Actually, it’s only Ralphie pretending he has superpowers and can make a huge thunderstorm that would cool things off fast. The kids think Ralphie has flipped out, but Ms. Frizzle is excited about the idea of making weather. Time for a field trip in the Magic School Bus! The bus becomes a flying weather station and takes the class right into the storm clouds. As if that isn’t scary enough, the Friz turns over the controls to superhero Weatherman! Before they know it, Ms. Frizzle’s class is on a ride that has more ups and downs than a roller coaster!

The Magic School Bus Inside a Hurricaneby Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks
48 pages; Ages 6–9
ISBN 0-590-44686-X / ISBN 0-590-44687-8
The magic school bus changes into a weather balloon and then into an airplane as the class experiences the hurricane and a spin-off tornado firsthand. readers learn how changes in the air make different kinds of weather. Wind, rain, thunder, and lightning will take on new meaning when you're inside a hurricane!

Magic School Bus series books for Secondary School children
This series of books is designed for middle school children. The science chapter books provide more textual information and do not have the colours and visuals as in the books for younger children. These books are also a hit with most kids.

A SCIENCE CHAPTER BOOK # 6: The Great Shark EscapePublished by Scholastic Paperbacks
ISBN 0-439-20421-6
The class ends up underwater and face-to-face with all kinds of sharks, from great whites to goblin sharks. Then, when things got scary and they were really swimming in trouble, you'd never guess who helped them make the Great Shark Escape!

A SCIENCE CHAPTER BOOK # 3: The Wild Whale Watchby Eva Moore, illustrated by John Spiers
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks
ISBN 0-439-10990-6
The students go on an actual whale watch and see real whales in the ocean. Join them for a whale of an adventure!

A SCIENCE CHAPTER BOOK # 5: Twister Troubleby Anne Capeci, illustrated by John Speirs
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks
ISBN 0-439-20419-4
When the class was studying the weather, Ms. Frizzle took them to the Weatherama Theme Park. But the biggest, baddest ride wasn't a roller coaster at all — it was a real tornado. They learned tons of facts about these monstrous storms. Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement as the Magic School Bus takes on a twister!

Please contact Scholastic India Pvt. Ltd. if you need any help in procuring the Magic School Bus Series of books.Corporate office: Tel: 0124-4068940-45, Fax: 0124-4068946

Books from the National Book Trust (NBT)
Interesting stories with an Indian context, many of these books are ideal to read out to a class of primary school children. The books are very reasonable priced and are available in multiple languages.

Books for primary school studentsA STORY ABOUT WATERRavi Paranjape 16 pp Rs 6.50
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 6-8) ISBN 81-237-1101-8
A story is woven around water, in flood and drought, introducing its different manifestations and uses. Exquisite illustrations make the book interesting.
Also published in Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil and Urdu.

MATSYA: THE BEAUTIFUL FISHShanta Rameshwar Rao 32 pp Rs 11.00
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 6-8) ISBN 81-237-2579-5
A tiny fish grows and grows to become the saviour of mankind. Attractively illustrated by Sigrun Srivastav.
Also published in Asamiya, Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.

THE LITTLEST WAVESumana Chandavarkar 32 pp Rs 10.00
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 6-8) ISBN 81-237-2010-6
An illustrated story about a young girl and her special friendship with a little wave. Also published in Asamiya, Bangla, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu.

TYLTYL'S ADVENTURESwapna Dutta 16 pp Rs 7.00
Published by National Book Trust
One day a mother turtle lays some eggs on the seashore. The eggs hatch and many baby turtles crawl out. Among them is Tyltyl, their brave little leader. All of them want to reach their home at sea. But many dangers lurk on the way. This book through some wonderful illustrations narrates their efforts to reach the sea.
Also published in Asamiya, Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu.

THE PRINCE AND THE CORAL SEADaisaku Ikeda 56 pp Rs. 30.00
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 8-10), ISBN 81-237-3658-4
An attractive book that unfolds the story of how water pollution is adversely affecting the creatures who live under water and how we can help them. Also published in Hindi and Oriya.

WAITING FOR THE RAINKamakshi Balasubramanian 24 pp Rs 7.50
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 8-10) ISBN 81-237-1100-X
This is the story of Velu, a farmer, who is anxiously waiting for the rains since his land is parched and he is unable to plant his crops. On the point of despair Velu meets an old woman who asks him whether a person who has been working very hard deserves rest… The text is complemented by illustrations beautifully done in four colours. Also published in Asamiya, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi and Tamil.

THE DAY THE RIVER SPOKEKamla Nair 32 pp Rs 10.00
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 8-10)
The story of a little girl in a fishermen’s village in Kerala who wants to go to school. Illustrated by Shankar Sen. Also published in Asamiya, Bangla, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.

Books for primary / secondary school students

THE VOYAGE OF TRISHNAT P S Chowdhury 79 pp Rs 10.50
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 8-14), ISBN 81-237-1694-X
The book is an interesting and detailed account of the voyage of ten members of the First Indian Expedition which sailed around the world in a yatch, Trishna, covering 55,000 kms. in 470 days. The text is complemented with photographs, sketches and maps. Also published in Asamiya, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi and Urdu.

Books for secondary school students

THE STORY OF OUR RIVERS (PART I)Lila Majumdar 64 pp Rs 8.00
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 12-14) ISBN 81-237-1089-5
A fascinating account of the rivers of North India. Illustrated by Tapas Dutta. Also published in Asamiya, Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil and Urdu.

THE STORY OF OUR RIVERS (PART II)AL Valliappa 64 pp Rs 7.00
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 12-14) ISBN 81-237-0016-4
Relates the story of the rivers of South India. The author talks not only about the geography of these rivers, but also about their place in the day-to-day life of the people. Illustrated by Pranab Chakravarti. Also published in Asamiya, Bangla, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil and Urdu

THE WORLD OF TURTLES AND CROCODILESZai & Rom Whitaker and Indraneil Das 64 pp Rs 8.00
Published by National Book Trust
(Age group 12-14) ISBN 81-237-0136-8
An informative, authoritative book about the locale, habits, breeding, etc., of different species of turtles and crocodiles found in India. Narrated in a humourous way, this includes information like the differences between turtles, tortoises and terrapins and crocodiles actually taking care of their young. This well-designed book is enhanced by pencil sketches and photographs. Also published in Asamiya, Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Oriya, Tamil and Urdu.

POLLUTIONN Seshagiri 64 pp Rs 9.50
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 12-14) ISBN 81-237-1080-1
An account of how different kinds of pollution—of rivers, oceans, the atmosphere—are a health hazard to human beings, animals as well as plants. Colourfully illustrated by a group of young artists.
Also published in Asamiya, Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.

THIS EARTH OF OURSLaeeq Futehally 64 pp Rs 10.00
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 12-14), ISBN 81-237-0172-1
A book that talks about the different forms of water, about trees, the soil and how closely these are related to each other and the integral part they play in sustaining life on earth. The two-colour illustrations bring the text alive. Also published in Asamiya, Bangla

WATERRama 64 pp Rs 9.00
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 12-14) ISBN 81-237-1032-0
All aspects of water are covered in this instructive book—its importance, uses, where it is found, its different forms, pollution, the sources and supply of water. Attractive two colour illustrations by Suddhasattwa Basu enliven the text. Also published in Asamiya, Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.

WONDER WORLD UNDER WATERB F Chaapgar 71 pp Rs 10.00
Published by National Book Trust
(Age-group 12-14), ISBN 81-237-1477-7
An illustrated book giving an account of the wonderful life under water. Also published in Asamiya, Bangla,
Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.